Souness not interested in Scotland job

Graeme Souness has ruled himself out of the running for the Scotland job and has thrown his backing behind Joe Jordan instead.

Souness was previously on a four-man shortlist for the position when Levein's predecessor George Burley was appointed to the role. But the former Rangers manager says he has no interest in the job this time around.

Asked if he would be open to an approach from the SFA, Souness said: "No, it's not for me. I'm older, not necessarily wiser, but I'm certainly older and I just feel it's not for me at this time. It's not something I would consider."

Speaking at a Hall of Fame event at Hampden on Monday, Souness made it clear who he believes is the outstanding candidate.

He said: "I think your man is Joe Jordan. He would be my choice if I was making the decision. He's an obvious candidate. Everyone knows the passion that Joe showed when he was a player. He would be perfect. He fits the bill. He's knowledgeable, he has worked at the highest level, played at the highest level and is extremely passionate. He's your man."

Gordon Strachan quickly emerged as the bookmakers' favourite to replace Levein, and Souness added: "He's another real genuine candidate. In fact, him and Joe would be the outstanding candidates."

Meanwhile, Gordon McQueen insists the Scottish Football Association must appoint a Scotsman to lead the national team. The SFA will wait until after Wednesday`s friendly in Luxembourg, with Billy Stark in caretaker charge, before formally launching their search for a replacement for Levein.

Chief executive Stewart Regan has made no comment on whether the successful candidate must be Scottish but McQueen believes going outside of the country does not work. "We went down that route before with Berti Vogts with tartan scarves and `I love haggis and whisky`. What an impostor and that showed with results."

McQueen is backing Jordan for the job - his close friend and former Leeds, Manchester United and Scotland team-mate.

"It looks to me as if Gordon Strachan might be favourite," McQueen added. "He is certainly getting a lot of good publicity. You have to please the media and the Tartan Army. I think Joe would tick the boxes on both counts but so would Gordon so we`ll see."